If you’re in search of a deliciously flavorful dish that brings a taste of Japan to your kitchen, look no further than Teriyaki Chicken. This delightful meal is known for its sweet and savory glaze that clings beautifully to the tender chicken pieces. The origins of teriyaki go back centuries in Japanese cuisine, showcasing a method of cooking that includes grilling or broiling with a marinade.
Why We Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is beloved for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The sweet and savory sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken, creating an irresistible taste sensation. The simplicity of the ingredients means you likely have everything you need already in your pantry.
Additionally, this meal is versatile. You can serve it over steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even in a wrap for lunch the next day. The quick cooking time makes it suitable for busy weeknights, while the presentation allows it to shine during special gatherings. Lastly, the recipe is adaptable; you can tweak the ingredient quantities to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients about Teriyaki Chicken
To create the perfect Teriyaki Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1-2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sake or mirin (you can replace this with water if preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp crushed fresh ginger
- Sesame seeds to serve
These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Directions
Creating your Teriyaki Chicken at home is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by preparing your chicken. Pat the cubed chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the chicken browns nicely in the pan. Next, heat a large frying pan over high heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of sesame oil, allowing it to warm for a moment before adding the chicken.
Brown the chicken well on all sides; this will take about 4-5 minutes. Once your chicken is beautifully golden, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
In the same pan, you will need to combine the remaining ingredients: soy sauce, sake (or water), rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, crushed garlic, and ginger. This mixture is the key to the flavorful teriyaki sauce. Pour this blend into the hot pan and allow it to come to a boil. Cooking the sauce for 1-2 minutes helps it thicken slightly, adding more depth to the flavor.
After the sauce has cooked, add the chicken back into the pan, along with any resting juices. Let everything simmer together for an additional 4-5 minutes. This time allows the chicken to absorb the delicious teriyaki sauce fully, turning it sticky and flavorful.
Once it’s cooked through and coated in that tasty glaze, sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds for a garnish. Serve immediately, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of homemade Teriyaki Chicken!
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
When it comes to serving your Teriyaki Chicken, the options are diverse, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. A common way to enjoy this dish is to place it over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The fluffy grains soak up the delectable sauce, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Alternatively, you could serve it alongside sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. This pairing not only adds color to your plate but also enhances the meal’s nutritional value.
For a lighter option, consider wrapping the chicken in lettuce leaves, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for warm days. If you’re feeling creative, you can even toss the teriyaki chicken into a salad or grain bowl topped with avocado, cucumber, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Lastly, you can store any leftovers and enjoy them the next day for lunch, ensuring you have another delicious meal ready!
Expert Tips: Teriyaki Chicken
To ensure your Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind. First, be careful not to overcrowd the pan when you are browning the chicken. Doing so can cause the pieces to steam instead of brown, resulting in less flavor and texture.
Second, feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry for additional viscosity. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or sauce.
Also, make sure to balance the sweet and salty components. If you prefer it sweeter, increase the honey and brown sugar slightly. If you want a saltier flavor, add more soy sauce, but do so sparingly to avoid overwhelming the dish.
Lastly, always taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in. Adjust the flavors according to your liking—teriyaki should be a harmonious blend of sweetness and saltiness.
How to Store Teriyaki Chicken
Storing your leftover Teriyaki Chicken is simple. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you would like to extend its shelf life, consider freezing the teriyaki chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring all air is removed. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a pan or microwave until it’s hot throughout.
Variation of Teriyaki Chicken
While the classic Teriyaki Chicken is undoubtedly delicious, you can explore various variations to keep this dish exciting. One popular change is adding vegetables directly to the cooking process. Bell peppers, carrots, and bok choy not only add nutrition but also make your plate more colorful.
Another variation is to substitute chicken with tofu for a plant-based option. Press and cube firm tofu, browning it as you would the chicken. Then proceed with the sauce as usual for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
You can also experiment with different flavors by infusing the sauce with orange or pineapple juice for a fruity twist. Just replace some of the soy sauce or sugar with your chosen juice to create a new layer of flavor.
FAQs about Teriyaki Chicken
What type of chicken is best for Teriyaki Chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically the best choice for Teriyaki Chicken due to their quick cooking time and tender texture. However, you can also use thighs for a richer flavor and juicier result.
Can I make Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days and can even be frozen for future meals.
What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken?
You can serve Teriyaki Chicken with a variety of side dishes. Common pairings include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and salads. Get creative, and feel free to add your favorite sides!
Is Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?
Traditional Teriyaki Chicken is not gluten-free due to the use of soy sauce. However, you can substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How can I make Teriyaki Chicken healthier?
To make Teriyaki Chicken healthier, you can reduce the sugar content by cutting down on honey and brown sugar. You can also use skinless chicken thighs or breasts and add more vegetables to the dish for added nutritional value.
Teriyaki Chicken
Equipment
- Large Frying Pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
- 1-2 tsp. sesame oil
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup sake or mirin or replace with water if preferred
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 tsp. crushed fresh ginger
- sesame seeds to serve
Instructions
- Pat the cubed chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Heat a large frying pan over high heat and add sesame oil.
- Add the chicken to the pan and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, combine the soy sauce, sake (or water), rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, crushed garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and simmer for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!
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